McDonald’s Disapproves of French Template for Reusable Containers
McDonald’s Corp has expressed its reluctance to adopt the reusable container system introduced in France for dine-in customers. Serge Thines, McDonald’s International Government Relations head, stated that the company does not want France to be the benchmark for this initiative, believing it to be “very problematic” and ineffective. The French law, which took effect in early 2023, requires fast-food restaurants to use reusable containers for in-restaurant dining, while take-out customers can still receive paper packaging.
Environmental Impact and Customer Convenience
McDonald’s argues that using reusable cups, bowls, and containers on a larger scale may not be as environmentally friendly as their current throwaway packaging, in terms of both plastic usage and emissions. The company emphasizes its support for recycling and has undertaken various initiatives, such as testing plastic-free cups and increasing the frequency of paper packaging recycling. The French legislation follows the lead of Germany and the Netherlands, which have implemented deposit-based systems for reusable cups. Other countries in the region are also considering similar legislation regarding food containers and materials.
Global Presence and Performance
As of the end of September, McDonald’s operates nearly 41,200 restaurants worldwide. Although the rejection of reusable containers in France may raise environmental concerns, the fast-food chain’s shares have seen an 8.8% increase since the beginning of this year, indicating stability and growth in the market.